Property developers owe a big slice of $2m in overdue rates

ALMOST $2 million was owed to Somerset Regional Council in unpaid rates as at May 5.

The largest three rate debtors owe a total of $130,000 to council and are property developers in the Somerset region.

On April 27, council issued 38 notices of intention to sell land for overdue rates.

Somerset Mayor Graeme Lehmann said paying rates was not optional.

"We all need to pay rates regardless of where you live. These rates pay for vital services delivered to residents and visitors to our region including road maintenance, parks, library services, community events, kerbside rubbish services and much more," Cr Lehmann said.